The objective was to evaluate the effects of a physical exercise programme for children with asthma on an outpatient basis.Forty-seven children with clinically diagnosed asthma participated in the intervention study. The physical exercise programme consisted of regular group exercises and home exrcises for a period of three months. It was based on a theoretical model describing the relationships between physical competence (condition), perceived physical competence, self-esteem and coping behaviour. The results showed significant effects on physical condition, as well as on coping with asthma.